Teen Taliban bomber kills 20 in Pak-ToI-5.5.12

Attacker Targets Paramilitary Troops In Tribal Area Along Afghan Border

Peshawar: A suicide bomber struck near a crowded market in Bajaur, a tribal area close to Afghanistan border, on Friday, killing 20 people including security personnel and leaving more than 50 wounded. Bajaur is where the Pakistan military has launched many of its offensives against the al-Qaidalinked Pakistani Taliban, the most serious security threat to the country. 
    At least three of the dead were policemen, including a senior officer, said an official. The terror group Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the suicide attack issuing a sadistic statement, “It is stated with pleasure that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan accept with courage the responsibility of martyr attack in Khar, Bajaur Agency.” 
    Officials said that early Friday morning in Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur tribal region, a teenage suicide bomber ran into a group of paramilitary troops and detonated his explosive vest. The troops were waiting to be taken to different locations for their routine patrolling. 
    “So far 16 people have been killed, while over 40 have been injured,” said Islam Zeb, the agency’s political administrator. Seven of those killed were tribal policemen and one of them had received a presidential award for bravery in fighting militants. 
    “We have received 17 bodies and 47 injured. The condition of many injured was critical. Some of them might be shifted to Peshawar and other nearby districts,” said Anwar Ali, a nurse at the agency’s hospital. The TTP spokesperson Ihsanullah Ihsan in his statement said that the attack was targeted at Quarter Master Fazal Rabi and Major Javid. “Fazal Rabi was holder of Presidential Award and this award was given to him just because of shahadat (sacrifice) of many Taliban by his hands. Major Javid was involved in shahadat of Shaikh Marwan.” 
    The group also threatened to “treat with iron hands” those who were “involved in any type of activity against Taliban.” Akhunzada Muhammad Chattan, a member of National Assembly from Bajaur Agency said, “Peace in the area was almost restored after military operations but now militants from across the border are coming for terror activities.”